Author’s
note: I
would like to thank my ‘beta’ Lyn for giving me direction and helping sort out
the torture, she does it so much better than me!I would also like to thank Sue for all her
support, laughter and speed- reading….

Spear of Destiny

By

Lillian H.

How long he had been unconscious, he wasn’t
sure, the pain had dulled somewhat, a heavy ache centralised on his right side,
just below his rib cage. Somehow, by concentrating he was able to minimise the
discomfort and by continuing to lay as still as possible, the pain was
contained. Lying on his back, his legs felt numb and the strength in his arms
had deserted him. He knew he needed help soon, he could feel his lifeblood
seeping through the fingers that held a towel to the bleeding wound.

He shivered slightly, he was beginning to feel
cold but knew that the heating was operating in the office building; he must be
going into shock he thought… time was running out.

Feeling drowsy he fought to keep his mind to
awake. His thoughts inevitably drifted to the last mission. Seaview had
returned only yesterday, her crew discouraged and in mourning for a lost
shipmate.The whole mission had been
bedevilled from the beginning. Delayed two days, the large packing crates of
equipment had arrived just before sailing and had been hurriedly checked
through security… too hurriedly. His conscience alone had to bear the death of
one promising young officer and Lee’s injuries. In his rush to get underway, he
had not been prepared to wait for the standard security procedures to be
completed, even when Morton had insisted that more time was needed. He was
responsible. He should have been suspicious. If only….

He drew
a shallow breath at the sharp pain that brought him back to reality as he
realised he had clenched his hand over the wound. He determined to try again to
summon help. Gathering his strength he tried to turn over but his legs refused
to co-operate, he could not make his body move and as he lay frustratedly
immobile on the floor of his office, the gloom began to defeat his will. The
only light was faint and from the Institute grounds as it reflected through the
floor to ceiling windows, this brought him a small amount of comfort, he did
not want to die alone and in complete darkness.

As he felt the effort drain his depleted
reserves he was aware of consciousness slipping from him again, desperately he
clung to the faint sounds around him as he waited for a miracle to save his
life. He couldn’t allow his so called friend’s betrayal to place others
in danger, he had to fight!

Suddenly, the muted sound of voices in the
outer office alerted him and he urgently looked for a means to attract
attention. He moved his left arm back to knock at the edge of the desk, when he
felt a cable… the phone!Wrapping his
fingers around the wire he gave a weak tug, it moved only a few inches.The voices were fading, in desperation he
committed his remaining strength and a resounding crash resulted just inches
from his head.

Outside the two security guards were leaving.
“Hang on Larry, did you hear that?” Both men concentrated.

“Thought I heard something, kind of muffled
though, could be outside.”

“No, definitely sounded closer to me.” He moved
closer to the closed office door and automatically lowered his voice as he
started to draw his weapon. “Sounded like it came from in
there.” He nodded towards the closed door.

“You sure Ray, he must have left hours ago.”
Larry also drew his gun and moved closer to his colleague.

“We’d better check it out, all the same. You
ready?”

The guard nodded, as his friend started to
slowly open the door.

The room was in darkness and the light from the
open doorway shone in like a concentrated beam across the carpeted floor to the
far wall.

Ray Masters saw the phone lying on the floor
beside the desk and thought he could see a shadowy figure concealed beyond it.

“Okay, whoever you are, we’re both armed, so
come out, with your hands up where we can see them.”

When the figure did not move, he looked at
Larry and nodded towards the light switch. As he edged further into the room,
his friend slipped past him and clicked on the lighting. Immediately
illumination banished all the shadows and both men were momentarily astonished
at the sight before them.

Rushing across the room, the senior guard
called. “My God! Larry, get the medics quick!”
Kneeling down beside the injured man, Masters touched the neck of the pale
figure and was relieved to find a weak but still beating pulse. Gently he
touched his shoulder. “Admiral? Admiral Nelson sir,
can you hear me?”

The eyelids fluttered open but only vague
recognition greeted him. He struggled to speak…

“No sir, don’t try to talk. Help’s on its way,
just hold on a while longer sir, please… just hold on.” He repeated
desperately.

The figure relaxed slightly and the eyes slowly
shut again. Ray Masters could hear Larry’s voice in the outer office, urgently
calling the hospital for help. As he stayed by the Admiral, he noticed the
blood soaked towel and the large stain on the carpet that extended under the motionless
body… so much blood!

Eventually, behind him, he heard the flurry of
activity as white suited corpsmen rushed in and pushed him aside to reach their
patient. He stood and backed away in shock as Larry joined him. “Is he still
alive? How bad is it?” He asked as he watched the medics work.

“Bad Larry, real bad. There’s so much blood, how could
anybody lose that much blood and still be alive?”

****

Two
officers urgently leaped the steps of the Medical Centre two at a time.As they ran down the long corridor towards
the reception area, others scattered from their path, knowing their identities
and understanding the urgency of their mission.

As they
neared their destination, Dr. Will Jamison turned and holding up both hands to
ward off the barrage of questions that threatened to wash over him, said
firmly. “Okay, just listen. He is in surgery at the moment; Dr. Brouchet is
removing the bullet and repairing the damage. We won’t know anything for a few
hours yet….”

“What
bullet?” Crane demanded harshly.

“What
happened?” Morton questioned with concern.

The
questions were fired at the same time and Jamie shook his head solemnly. “Let’s
go sit in the visitor’s area and I will explain.”He put his hands behind both officers as he
tried to shepherd them to the seated waiting area but both men resisted.

“Jamie just
tell us….”

“I will but
first let’s sit down. I’ve just received a shock as well and I need to sit
down, even if you don’t.” He saw their concern flare for him and he proceeded
to lead them to the comfortable chairs. He knew his ploy would work with both
men, they were always more concerned with others than themselves and he wanted
them calmed as he prepared them for his news.

As they all
sat down, the two officers on the edge of the soft leather sofa, he recalled
the reason for the more than luxurious furniture that graced this hospital’s
relatives waiting area. Because of the highly dangerous nature of the missions
these men were often involved in, the officers and crew of the Seaview were
frequent patients of this facility and Nelson himself had long ago decreed that
if he was going to spend days and nights waiting to hear if one of his men or
more likely one of his officers, usually the Captain, was going to live or die,
he would do it in relative comfort at least. Hence the soft leathered
upholstery and the occasional tables that would grace any living room… and now
they were here waiting for news of his survival.

“Well
Jamie? How bad is he?” The worried voice of Lee Crane interrupted his reveries.

“He has a
bullet wound, probably from .32 or .38. It was fired at close range and ripped
a hole in his right side that resulted in a lot of internal damage. Dr.
Brouchet is operating now to stop the internal bleeding and remove the bullet…
but more seriously it lodged against his spine and…well… that could result in
added complications.”

“What sort
of complications, Jamie? What are you not telling us?” Chip Morton’s usually
calm voice echoed the worry of his Captain and best friend.

Jamison
took a deep breath and lowered his eyes almost afraid to look at the stunned
men. “The x-rays showed that the bullet nicked the spinal column and if it can
be retrieved without further damage…it could be alright after the swelling goes
down… if not…” he looked up, hesitating, his mouth suddenly dry. “ If not, he
could be paralysed for the rest of his life.” He watched to see the full
implication his statement would have on these strong men.

Lee Crane
paled as he stood suddenly but awkwardly. Now that the initial shock had worn
off he was feeling the residual ache of his own recent injuries. He paced
towards the window that was now reflecting the early crimson of the dawn and
stood looking out towards the calm ocean not far away.

Jamie noted
the way he moved stiffly and stroked the bandage on his right hand… must have
started to itch as it healed. He would remember to take another look at it
later…the laceration had been quite deep.

Chip Morton
remained sitting but looked across at his friend, concern for him evident on
the normally unreadable features of the stoic Exec. “How long before we know
something Jamie?”

Will
Jamison drew a deep breath and considered his reply. “If he comes through the
operation okay, maybe a week, maybe ten days….”

“A week?” Lee turned and exclaimed.

“Lee, I
can’t make him heal any faster, no matter how much you want it to happen! It
could be longer… he lost a serious amount of blood, that
alone will delay his recovery.I’m
amazed he managed to hold on as long as he did without succumbing to shock. We
will just have to wait and let his body repair itself with all the help we can
give it.”

“Why aren’t
you doing the operation? Is Brouchet the right man? This is the Admiral
we’re talking about?” Lee said severely.

“I know
that, Captain!Don’t forget he’s been my
friend longer than he has yours. My concern for him is just as strong as yours.
Dr. Brouchet is an expert surgeon and he also has a great deal of experience
with spinal injuries. We’re damn lucky to have him!” Jamie finished angrily.

Lee Crane
marched stiffly back to stand in front of the now angry Doctor.

“The
Admiral must have the best. I won’t allow anything to endanger his recovery.”

“You think
I would?”

Chip Morton
stood and parted the two men carefully. “I thought we’d established long ago
just what we all mean to each other. Now let’s all stand down before Dr.
Brouchet has to come see what all the noise is about?” He watched as his
friends slowly turned their focus to him, he raised an eyebrow and gave them
both an uncompromising look.

Lee turned
back to the window and said quietly. “I’m sorry Jamie. I know you will do
what’s best. I guess I just….” He turned again but this time he remained by the
window. “What are his chances really… surviving the operation and afterwards?”

Will
sighed. “I’m sorry too, Lee. Not very professional of me to allow my own
concerns to interfere like that. I guess I lost it for a moment there.” He straightened
marginally and continued.“No
guarantees, Captain but we managed to stabilise him pretty well before we
started the surgery. He’s strong willed and determined and we all know what
kind of fighter he is. But there are just too many variables right now… We’ll
just have to wait and hope. I should be able to tell you more after I speak
with Dr. Brouchet.”

Crane
nodded and turned back to the view outside.

“Thanks
Jamie.” Chip eyed the other man carefully. “You going
to be okay?Anything you want me to do?”

Jamie
smiled at the tall blond. How many times had he made the same inquiries when
they had been awaiting news of his best friend’s injuries? Lee Crane nearly
always returned damaged from his frequent and perilous scrapes with death.“No Chip, I’m fine, really.” Then both men
laughed softly as he had unconsciously repeated the Captain’s well-worn phrase,
his stock answer to all enquiries after his health. “I’m fine, really.”

****

The coffee
had gone cold hours ago and now both men sat waiting in the family waiting
room, wrapped in their own reflections.

Lee thought
of the letter he had struggled to write, offering compassion and condolences to
the relatives of his dead junior officer. He remembered meeting his family at
the last Institute picnic. The parent’s of Lt j.g.
David Cohen were confidently proud of their only son. His father, Jack Cohen
was a veteran and repeatedly extolled the virtues of the service he had served
in, reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer. David had been embarrassed at the
way his parents had monopolised his Captain’s time but Lee had not minded and
when the Lieutenant had sought the Captain out later to apologise, Lee assured
him that he had enjoyed meeting them.

Only
yesterday on their return to port, he had made a personal call to the family,
to repeat his profound regret for their loss. He didn’t know which was worse,
Sarah Cohen’s gentle weeping or Jack Cohen’s stoic acceptance that his only son
had died bravely.

What a
mission! It had all started out so simply. A request from the State Department
to deliver urgently needed personnel and undersea mining equipment, to a
privately run mining operation that was carrying out vital exploration for the government,
on a possible new oil field.There had
been no indication that there would be any complications. If only he had been
more alert, maybe he would have noticed something suspicious about the three
engineers sooner. He rubbed absently at his injured hand… it should have been
him that died, not Cohen.

Chip Morton
watched his best friend’s face as the many emotions flitted across the worried
features. He knew what Lee was thinking…that he should have been the one to die
and not the young, eager junior officer.

Lt. j.g. David Cohen… Chip smiled slightly as he recalled their
first meeting, Cohen had snapped to attention and crisply saluted all three
senior officer’s as he reported to them on the ‘admiral’s front porch’ as they
liked to call the observation nose of the Seaview. His eyes had been so
mesmerised by the view through the giant Herculite windows that even after they
had returned his salute he still remained at attention, his arm still raised.
It was Chip’s entrance into his eye line that finally got his attention; he
still remembered the sudden flush of embarrassment that stained the youthful
face. He had been a good officer, quick to learn and confident in his own
abilities. That he idolised his Captain was plain and Chip never failed to rib
Lee about it when the opportunity arose, much to Lee’s chagrin. Now he was
gone. His life taken away by an act of selfless sacrifice that would not have
been necessary had Chip been doing his job properly!

Shifting
restlessly in his chair, he felt the pangs of guilt that racked his hidden
self. Outwardly he was still the ever-efficient Exec, calm, organised, in
control but inside where the world could not see, his own
self-deprecation reigned.It was
his fault that the security checks on the late arriving cargo boxes had not
been completed. The Admiral had ordered their loading but as security officer
he should have refused the order until he was sure that all the checks had been
done, SOP in spite of the rush and Nelson’s need for expediency to get underway.

He had made
a mistake. Only a day into the cruise, small-unexplained technical faults
started to occur. Minor at first irritations only.
After two days the faults had become more persistent and began to affect vital
systems. They were random with no logical pattern and the tired crew started to
get edgy waiting for the next system to go wrong. Lee and the Admiral became
increasingly annoyed and when Lee had demanded to divert to a dock facility to
overhaul the boat’s computers, the Admiral had been vehemently vocal about the
delay but had reluctantly agreed.

No sooner
had the course been set than, Seaview abruptly lost engine power and sank
quickly to the ocean floor. Relieved that there was only minimal damage and
while the crew were busy looking for the cause of the failure, armed men had
invaded the control room and overpowered them.

*****

The
German hijack commander, Leo Engel was standing in the observation nose,
looking out as Lee had been brought into the control room under guard. They
were two days into their journey and the commander had kept all crew locked in
quarters unless they were on duty. The Admiral was under special guard in his
cabin and no one had seen him since the hijack had started. Engel had kept all
the senior officers apart and the crew had been warned of the consequences if
they did not co-operate fully.

However
by limited means communications had been possible and now Lee hoped that his
presence here did not mean that they had been discovered. The plans were all
set for the next watch change; Chip and Sharkey were instrumental in its
success.

Turning
abruptly, Engel looked harshly at Lee. “Vell Kapitan, it seems you haf lied to
me about the power situation and that you haf been trying to delay our
journey.” He accused menacingly. “In our attempts to control your vessel’s
computers, ve learned much more than you have given us the credit for, so your
lies haf been found out!”

Lee
studied the German’s ruthless expression and replied cautiously. “I don’t know
what you mean. With the reactor damage the fake mining engineers caused, we’relucky to be moving at all!”

“Don’t
take me for a fool, Kapitan! I varned you what would happen if you chose to
defy us. Maybe a demonstration is necessary after all. If your deck is stained
with your blood, then perhaps you will do as I command!” Turning to the control
room he surveyed the tense faces of the crew. “You serve vith ze dregs of
humanity, Poles, Jew’s, Hispanics, these men would
have no place in an Arian society.” Engel said disparagingly. “But maybe they
need to be taught who are the masters here.”

“These
are good men and not responsible for my actions. They follow my orders.” Lee
said forcefully.

Angrily
Engel turned back to Lee. “Then Kapitan, they must learn to follow MY orders!”
He looked at his second in command and nodded.

The
guards dragged Lee aside and as they held him securely, Bergman punched him
hard on the jaw. As his head snapped back from the force of the blow, he heard
a voice call out.

“NO!
Stop this, there will be no further delays…there is no need for this.”Lt David Cohen rushed forward, only to be
stopped by a rifle held to his chest.

“Ah! Lt.
Cohen, fears for your safety Kapitan. You do indeed inspire much loyalty among your men,
even from Jews!” He spat the insult out and Lee saw Cohen flare with anger.

“Stand
down lieutenant, that’s an order!” Lee commanded forcefully.

“But
Captain…”

“An order, lieutenant!” Lee repeated tightly. He watched as Cohen
clenched his fists and hesitated but then stepped back, still glaring at the
smiling German commander.

The
beating was short but brutal and as Lee dropped to the deck, struggling to
breath, he heard the sound of loud voices as the fight back for the Seaview
began…

As he
lay on the deck, fighting for breath, Lee looked up as Engel aimed a gun at
him. Using sheer determination he kicked out at the knee of his enemy,
connecting solidly, jarring a cry of pain from the other man. Leo Engel
staggered forward, falling towardhim, and Lee grappled for the gun but the beating had robbed him of
his strength and the pistol slipped from both their grasps and in the struggle
skidded across the deck. The German rolled away, scrambling to reach the weapon
and Lee caught his leg and pulled him back, then he punched the hijacker, his
blow knocking Engel backwards. As Lee reached for the gun Engel lashed out
wildly with his feet and the captain staggered back as the German’s foot
impacted against his jaw.

Crane
struggled to his feet but Engel again attacked the captain shoving him hard
against the plot table and Lee felt a sharp pain in his ribcage.He fell to one knee, but brought his clenched
fist backwards into the hijackers face, knocking him down. As Lee tried to
stand upright, Lt. Cohen was at his side, helping his captain to stand but to
his horror the German had pulled a knife and was lunging forward. In automatic
defence, Lee put his hand up to ward off the blade from Cohen’s back; and he
felt the shock of pain and injury as the razor sharp knife sliced through his
right palm. Lee slumped to the floor, blood gushing from his hand, draining him
of what little strength he had left.

With a howl of fury the Lieutenant turned
and attacked Engel, delivering several hard punches, driving him to the deck,
Cohen straightened over the German hijacker, breathing heavily. Engel appeared
spent and, Lt Cohen turned back to his captain to help stem the blood from
Lee’s hand, with his own handkerchief.A
movement behind the junior officer caught Crane’s attention and he watched in
horror as the German pick up the discarded gun and took aim at him.He could not react in time. He was too weak.

“No…” he gasped and Lt Cohen looked over his
shoulder and seeing the danger threw himself in front Lee as the gun fired. The
young man fell forward as Lee reached out to catch him. A look of confusion and
concern crossed Cohen’s face as he whispered, “Are you all right Captain…?”
Then he his eyes closed slowly and he went limp in Lee’s arms.

*****

Lee
suddenly rose to his feet, bringing Chip back to the present as Dr. Pierre
Brouchet and Jamie came towards them.

“Well…?”
Lee asked anxiously.

Jamie
looked at the heavy, slightly rotund figure beside him and nodded.

“Yes,
Captain Crane, surgery was successful and his condition is stable at the moment
but….” The French-Canadian doctor answered carefully, “it
will be a long road to complete recovery.”

“The bullet. Did you get it out?” Lee demanded anxiously.

Pursing his
lips the Doctor nodded. “Yes… I managed to retrieve the bullet without
inflicting more harm… As I believe Dr. Jamison advised you, there was a great
deal of internal trauma; it will have to heal a little before we can assess the
full implications of the injury… …” He looked at Jamie and with a Gallic type
shrug and turned back to the two officers before him. “So we will have to wait
and see, no?”

“Can we see
him Jamie?”

Let’s wait
until we get him back from recovery and set up in ICU and then you can both see
him for a few minutes only.”

As the
doctors turned to leave, Lee held out his right hand to Brouchet, and then
quickly changed to his left as he remembered the bandaging. “Thank
you Doctor, for everything.”

Dr Brouchet
smiled as he shook the outstretched hand. “My pleasure,
Captain. It is not often that I can save the life of such an important
personage as Admiral Harriman Nelson. The world cannot afford to lose him quite
yet, I think.”

Jamie gave
Crane and Morton a departing nod of encouragement, as he followed Brouchet down
the hall. Lee sagged against the wall and Chip took his arm to guide him to a
chair. “Now comes the hardest part,” he said quietly … “the waiting.”

****

As they stood quietly beside the bed in the private room each man
experienced similar reactions of shock and concern.

They watched the rhythmic rise and fall of Nelson’s chest as the
artificial breathing apparatus wheezed oxygen into his lungs through the tube
secured over his mouth and both men knew from experience the discomfort of its
presence in the throat. They listened to the heart monitor sound a monotonous
beat that was a reassurance that his heart still functioned, as it should. Drip stands holding bags of blood and clear fluids, surrounded the
bed and were being channelled into veins in both arms. A large white
dressing was taped gently over the wound on his abdomen, from which yet another
tube was visible. He looked deathly pale and his auburn hair stood out in stark
contrast against the starched whiteness of the single pillow.

Jamie came and stood behind them and placed a comforting hand on each
man’s shoulder.

“Can he hear us?” Lee whispered.

“No. We have to keep him heavily sedated for several days yet. Gradually
we will allow him to wake up but not yet, his body has undergone two major
traumas and he needs the time that sleep will give him to stabilise a little.”

He gently took each man by the elbow and led him outside. “Now I am
going to recommend that you go home, both of you.” Putting up his hands against
their immediate refusals he went on. “There is nothing you can do here and you
Captain are still recovering from your own injuries, you need to get something
to eat and some rest. I don’t want to have to make it an order, Lee, in my
capacity as your CMO.” Looking at Chip he said firmly. “Commander take him home and both of you get some sleep. I don’t want
to see you back here until at least this evening.”

“Lee took on a stubborn stance that Will and
Chip recognised all too well. “Doctor, I think I can best evaluate my own
capabilities.”

Chip
intervened, as he saw the Doctor prepare to argue. “Lee, let’s go. We can’t
help here and we could use some rest.” Glancing quickly at Jamie, he said.“We will both come back this evening,
Doctor.” For a moment he thought Lee was going to fight him then seeing the
little flicker of determination in Chip’s eye, Lee relented and agreed.

“Very well…
but Jamie if…” He could not finish the unwanted thought.

“I promise
Skipper, I’ll call you immediately, if there’s any change, you have my word.”
Jamie said softly.

Lee nodded
absently and walked reluctantly with Chip towards the main entrance.

Outside the
morning was well advanced and as they stood thoughtfully on the steps Lee said
quietly. “My. God Chip, he looked so…helpless! He’s always so active and
vital…I can’t believe how vulnerable he looked. I’ve never seen anyone look
like that before.”

“I have,”
Morton said pensively.

“Who?”

Chip turned
to look at his friend squarely face to face. “You!
Every time you return from saving the world single handed again, you wind up
either in sick bay or here, sometimes both!” His anguished eyes and frustrated
tone surprised his best friend and Lee put out a hand to his arm.

“Chip are you okay?”

Chip Morton
quickly controlled his momentary lapse of composure. “Of course…just tired I
guess. Come on let’s get you home.” He started down the steps but was held back
by Lee’s hand still on his arm.

“Chip, I’m
sorry, I never realised… it’s just what I do. I never mean to cause anyone any
concern.”

Morton
smiled sadly. “I know you don’t Lee, that’s the hard part. Knowing that you’ll
recover and do it all over again when it’s asked of you.”

****

Instead of going immediately home, Lee
insisted on checking the progress of the investigation at the main building. As
they walked into Angie’s office, she looked up with obvious tear stained eyes,
although she tried valiantly to smile her welcome as she came to meet them.

“How is he
Lee, have you seen him?” She asked intently.

Crane took
her gently in a hug then holding her away from him slightly, looked into her
eyes and he said softly. “He’s holding his own. We saw him for a few minutes, a
little while ago… Jamie’s doing everything he can. We just have to keep
hoping.”

“Oh. Lee,
thank God!” She moved slowly out of his arms and using a hankie dabbed away the
fresh tears. “I feel so guilty. If only I’d stayed, this might never have
happened, or if it did I could have got him help right away.” She looked at the
two men in front of her. “But he insisted you see…I told him I could stay but
he insisted I go home. He said the meeting was just nonsense anyway.”

Lee and
Chip looked confused and as she sat down in the visitor’s chair beside her
desk. Taking up familiar positions when visiting her office, Lee perched
himself on the edge of her desk in front of her, Chip took her office chair.

“Angie, what
meeting are you talking about? Are you saying the admiral was meeting
someone else, after we left last night?” Lee asked gently.

“Yes…while
you and Chip were here he wanted no interruptions. A man called and wanted to
speak to him but when I explained he was busy he said, ‘Just tell him,
Treasure Seeker will be calling by, wait for him.’ I tried to explain it to
him again but he hung up. After you both left I gave the Admiral the message
and he was a little cross. Oh! Not at me you understand but with ‘Treasure
Seeker’. He just said ‘ not that stuff and nonsense again’ and told me to
go home, then he suddenly became …I don’t know, kind of thoughtful I suppose
and started to write something, then he became animated, you know like he does
when he’s solved a puzzle that’s troubled him. He asked me get the research
library to send over anything they had on WW2 Nazi treasure trove, lost
Christian Relics and anything else they had on lost German U-Boats. He was
immersed in them when I left.”

“You don’t
know who this ‘Treasure Seeker’ is? Has he called before, that you know of?”
Chip asked thoughtfully.

“No…at
least I don’t think so…although I thought he did sound kind of familiar.” Angie
frowned as she concentrated then shook her head. “I’m sorry, the Admiral speaks
to so many people and I can’t remember all their voices.”

Lee took
her hands in his. “It’s okay Angie, don’t worry about it. We’ll find him, who
ever he is.” Lee glanced carefully at Chip and knew he had also picked up the
significance of the German connection. With a re-assuring smile he spoke gently
to Angie. “Now why don’t you take the rest of the day off, you look exhausted.”

Angie drew
her hands out of his and waved vaguely at her desk and answered. “I can’t
Lee…there’s so much to do…and …” She looked at the now closed door of the
‘inner sanctum’ as she privately referred to Admiral Nelson’s office. “The
cleaners are coming by soon now that the police have finished in there….” Her
voice faded as the vivid memory of the bloodstained carpet assaulted her once
again.

Lee and
Chip noted her sudden pallor, as Chip picked up a glass of water from her desk
and passed it to her, Lee picked up the phone.

“Connect me
with the Seaview.” He commanded the operator. He watched as Angie sipped the
water and smiled gratefully at Chip. “Hello…this Captain Crane, get me Chief
Sharkey.”

Chip only half listened to Lee’s conversation
on the phone…Nazi treasure trove, Christian Relics… kept repeating in his head…
and the damn German connection again. What had the Admiral known or suspected
about the last disastrous cruise that they did not?

“Right
that’s all fixed. You go home and don’t come in for a couple of days. Our
secretaries …” He indicated Chip and himself. “Can handle the calls and if
anything comes up they can’t deal with, they can always call you. Sharkey and
Kowalski will be here to take care of the special cleaning crew.”

“But Lee…”

“No
buts…that’s an order!” He smiled kindly.

Angie
smiled hesitantly but tears were threatening to flow again, so she gathered up
her purse and leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “Thank you Captain.” She said
huskily. “You will let me know how he is…”

“I’ll leave
instructions that you are to receive regular updates.”

This time
tears trickled down her cheek and she bade them a hasty goodbye as she headed
out the door.

“You think
she’s okay to drive?” Chip asked.

“Patterson’s
waiting downstairs to take her home, courtesy of the Chief.” Lee answered as he
stood looking at Nelson’s door.

Chip
understood the way he felt, this was not going to be easy but it had to be
done. He went forward and quickly opened the door, standing aside for his
Captain to precede him.

Lee smiled
gratefully at Chip and entered quickly. The room was almost the same as they
had seen it last night…except for the discarded blood soaked towel, thrown
carelessly against the wall and the large dark stain beside the desk that
extended from view behind it.

“Open a
window, will you Chip?” A strong metallic odour hung heavily in the room.

As Chip
turned from opening the high window, the sound of voices approached.

“Eh…Captain,
Kowalski and me …” The voice faded, as he saw the large stain and blood soaked
towel.

“Yes, Chief, that’s his blood.” Lee whispered trying not to
imagine what pain his friend must have suffered.

Hearing the
hurt in his Captain’s voice, he asked respectfully. “Yes sir. Can we help you
with anything in here, Skipper?”

Turning to
his CPO he said wearily. “No, it’s all right Sharkey. Why don’t you and Ski
wait outside in Angie’s office, perhaps you could arrange with the switchboard
to transfer all calls through mine or Mr. Morton’s secretaries?”

Sharkey
hesitated; he was about to say something more when he caught Mr. Morton’s
gentle shake of the head and answered. “Yessir, Captain… Mr. Morton.” He nodded
to the Exec and left closing the door firmly.

Chip turned
to Lee and went to stand beside him. Lee looked at his friend and stiffened his
posture. “Right Mr. Morton, let’s see if we can find something to help us find
this ‘Treasure Seeker.’

Together
they approached the desk from the front and proceeded to search the papers and
books scattered across it.

Almost
immediately Lee picked up the message pad and as he flicked the pages, studied
the doodles, done obviously in Nelson’s bold writing style.

“Chip?”
Lee held out the pad. “Take a look.”

Morton took
the notepad and as soon as he saw the symbols and notations, his eyes narrowed
as he shrewdly assessed the significance. Looking up, he voiced his thoughts.
“The German Imperial flag, swastika’s, what’s this he’s written here, ‘The
Spear of Destiny’…what the hell is going on Lee, first the Seaview is hijacked
by Germans, then the Admiral has a meeting with a mystery caller and is drawing
WW2 Third Reich designs all over his messages?”

His friend
ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “I don’t know Chip. It doesn’t make
any sense. When the Seaview went down and was overpowered by the hijackers, he
was as confused as we were. It can’t just be coincidence that they were German
and now we have a German connection again… it has to be linked. What’s that
over the page …Zweites Kommen, he’s written it over and over…” Lee flipped a few more pages of drawings…

“The Second
Coming…”

The captain
threw a puzzled glance at his Exec.

“That’s
what it means ‘Zweites Kommen’… The Second Coming”

“You speak
German, since when?” Lee demanded.

“I don’t
speak German…just odd words…numbers, a few days things
like that. We had a German family down the street, when I was growing up. He
didn’t speak much American and I spoke no German, so we taught each other a
little…Zwietes is second.”

Lee smiled.
“You never cease to amaze me Mr. Morton.”

“That’s
what makes me indispensable, Captain!” They both laughed lightly but were
interrupted by a knock at the door.

“Come.”

Chief
Sharkey opened the door but remained on the threshold. “Skipper, the clean up
crew have arrived.”

“Thank you,
Chief. Just give us a moment.” The door closed again.

Taking a deep breath Lee said firmly. “Let’s
do another sweep of the room, in case anything was missed, then we’ll go get
the rest ordered by the good doctor, before going back to the hospital.”

“Okay, Lee.
That sounds sensible, as I’m driving I can crash at
your place.”

Lee nodded
and looked at his bandaged hand. “I can’t wait to get this thing off, Jamie’s
promised just two more days…and I’m holding him to it!”

*****

After
checking the hospital again and leaving the instructions regarding Angie, they
went to Chip’s car.

“What’s
with the dog smell?” Crane asked as they got in.

“Oh, yeah sorry. When I got home yesterday the neighbour’s dog had been hit by a
reversing truck…she was frantic about him so I offered to take her and the dog
to the vet. The pooch was real scared…I meant to take the blanket out but with
everything else…. I’ll drop the car by the pool tomorrow and get one of the
guys to valet it.” Chip lowered the window.

“This
wouldn’t be the single, slim, attractive, female neighbour that just moved in,
would it?” Lee grinned at his friend.

Chip smiled
craftily. “It might have been.”

Both men
laughed warmly as they drove out through the gates of the Institute and onto
the main highway.It was only early
afternoon and the traffic was still reasonably light.

“You want
to pick up some food on the way?” Chip asked as he skilfully overtook a large
delivery truck.

“I suppose
if I say, ‘No’, you’ll only get on my case again about not eating.” Lee said
jokingly.

“When did
you last eat?”

“When did you?”

Chip
chuckled. “Touche. Seriously,
I doubt you have anything
in your place since we docked, do you? So let’s get some food to go.”

“Okay let’s
stop at the store, I could get a few essentials.”

Twenty
minutes later they were back in the car with two bags of groceries safely in
the trunk.

As they
drove along the highway, they chatted sporadically, as is the way with people
who have other things on their mind but when the turning for the coast road
approached they were both startled by a movement behind them as the muzzle of a
gun settled against Lee’s neck.

“Keep
driving! Do not stop. Do not talk. Do not draw attention to yourself. I vill
tell you vhere you must go.”

The German
accented voice was clear and strong. Chip risked a glance at Lee.

“No! You
vill not look at each other!” And the gun was pushed harder against Lee’s neck,
making him lean forward with his head slightly bowed.

“Put your
hands to ze front vhere I can see zem!” The voice ordered Lee and again the gun
pushed him further forwards.

They drove
in silence for another two miles then he spoke again. “Take ze left fork and
drive until I tell you to stop.”

After 5
minutes the voice ordered. “Stop here and svitch off ze
engine.”

As Chip
slowed to halt and hesitated the voice behind him said menacingly. “You have
survived this far Kommander, please do not be foolish
now.”

Chip turned
the key and the powerful engine died. No one moved.

“What now?”
Lee asked carefully.

“SILENCE!”
And he felt a sharp blow as the gun was flicked hard against his cheek.

Another car
pulled up beside them and two men got out and positioned themselves on each
side of Chip’s car.

“Now you
vill open your doors, very carefully ...and exit one at a time. Kapitan, you first.”

Lee
hesitated only a second when he felt the gun leave his neck and saw it move to
Chip’s head. He followed the instructions cautiously.

Next Chip
drew himself out of the car, as he stood up, he turned
to see Lee falling forward. Just as he made a move to protest, he felt the
sharp pain of a needle, as it pierced his bicep and he too pitched forward onto
the ground.

****

The light
was intensely painful as Chip opened his eyes, he
groaned and shut them again quickly. His mouth felt dry, no, more than that, it
felt like his tongue was swollen and stuck to the roof of his mouth.

“Here drink
this, it will help.”

Opening his
eye a little to squint at his best friend he took the proffered glass and drank
greedily. When he had finished he croaked. “Thanks.”

“Give it
some time, before you speak…it’ll be easier.” Lee
Crane advised. He had experienced these particular symptoms on more than one
occasion, in his ONI work.

Pushing
himself into an upright position, Chip Morton leant back against the rough
stonewall. He found he could now open his eyes without the sharp pain ripping
through his temples.

“It’ll wear
off in a few minutes. Right now, just listen and I’ll fill you in.” Lee waved
his hand around the six by eight cell like room. “I
think we’re underground somewhere, feels like it somehow. That door is inches
thick and apart from that ceiling grill over the light there is nothing useful,
even our dog tags are missing.”

Chip
automatically felt for the chain around his open necked shirt, it wasn’t there
but a tender bruise was forming along the side of his throat. He swallowed
carefully and complained hoarsely. “They took our ties too.”

Lee handed him more water. “No more than you.
Hell Chip, none of this makes sense.First the Seaview is hijacked by Germans and we never knew why, now
we’ve been kidnapped by them!” He finished impatiently.

“Must of got into the car, when we stopped at the store.” Chip
said ruefully. “I wonder what time it is? Hey, you
took the bandage off.” Chip accused, as he saw his friend’s hand bare of its
protection.

Lee held up
his hand to look at it. The two strips of white adhesive dressing were all that
covered the deep laceration he had received trying to prevent the armed hijack
commander from killing David Cohen.

“Not me.”
He said simply.

There was
the sound of a bolt being pulled back and the heavy metal door swung open. Lee
just managed to help Chip stand as a soldier dressed in the authentic uniform
of a German army private of the Second World War came in and trained his rifle
on them. Before they had the chance to react another man entered in a full
military uniform of an officer in the Waffen-SS. He was tall, young and very
stern. Standing to attention and clicking his heels together he announced.
“Luetnant Heinz Gruber.” And dipped his head. Lee and
Chip watched his introduction and recognised him as their kidnapper. “Gentlemen
you vill please follow me.” Then pivoting on his heel marched out.

Looking
cautiously at the guard who indicated with his weapon for them to follow, Lee
nodded to Chip and moved forward. They were walking through large, brightly
lit, arched cellar rooms. Each one held boxes of armaments, weaponry of all
sorts and other crated cargo. They glimpsed an area that was equipped as a
communications room, with several uniformed staff stationed at desks. As they
passed through room after room, several of the uniformed personnel watched
their progress. Led by the Lieutnant, they reached a spiral stone staircase and
walked up it, followed by the guard. As they reached the top, they found
themselves in a long corridor, the sound of rattling tins, clinking plates and
glasses echoed from one of the open doors; indistinct voices raised themselves
over the general activity. The aroma of food cooking pervaded the area, as they
were pushed by the guard to follow the departing officer.

Passing
through another corridor they entered an expansive lobby.The floor was tiled and in the centre of the
design was the figure of a black eagle, both wings outstretched and reminiscent
of the design both officers had recently seen drawn on the notepad in the
Admiral’s office. More armed soldiers guarded the imposing main entrance ahead
of them and German WW2 flags hung down the walls that formed the sweeping
staircase. The officer signalled them to halt and went towards a pair of large
oak panelled doors. Knocking once he waited and then hearing the muted command,
entered, closing the door behind him.

Lee looked
around carefully. “This can’t be for real.” He murmured incredulously.

“Tell me
this is just a bad dream.” Chip muttered in reply as they stood waiting.

The guard
came forward and shoving them roughly with his rifle commanded. “No talking.”

After a few
minutes the door opened and the officer waved them forward.

They
entered a very large, well-lit, high ceilinged room. Book shelves from top to
bottom on two sides, and a floor to ceiling window, which had two doors in it,
straight ahead of them, through which they could see that it was already early
evening.Second world
war memorabilia was evident all around the room, busts of Adolf Hitler,
flags, and an eagle standard behind an enormous heavy oak desk that stood in
front of the window. The whole room was heavy with the atmosphere of recent
history.

There were
also several, grey uniformed, officers who stood watching them, all appeared to
be between 50-60 yrs old and all wore differing WW2 army rank insignias the
only exception being the black uniform worn by a much younger, blond haired man
and bearing the rank insignia of a Gestapo Major.

A man rose
from the large, black leather chair behind the desk and came to meet them. He
was tall, well built with grey hair that was still thick and full. His stocky
frame was wearing the uniform and rank, of what Lee recognised to be, a Waffen
–SS, Generaloberst.

“Gentlemen,
do come in.” The senior officer welcomed them warmly and in Midwest American.
“I hope you have fully recovered from your journey. Please, won’t you sit
down?” He indicated the two dark green leather chairs, placed only inches
apart, in front of the desk.

Neither of
the Naval officers moved. Smiling cynically, the
General said. “I suppose your immediate co-operation was too much to hope for.”
He nodded to the guards and Lee and Chip were seized by an arm each and pushed
forward and made to sit in the chairs.

“Who are
you and why have you brought us here?” Lee demanded quickly.

“Of course
you wish to know, Captain… if you’ll allow me, I’m sure I can explain.” He went
to sit behind the desk and leaning back in the leather, high backed chair, he
declared. “My name is Henry Miller…at least that’s my Americanised title. At
birth, I was Heinrich Mueller, formally of the German Republic but now…shall we
say…from a community of ex-German patriots forced to live in exile.” When he
saw only careful recognition of this information, from the men in front of him,
he smiled and continued. “For many years my comrades and I have lived secret
lives as we worked to build our new order, always with one goal in mind, the re-instatement
of the Third Reich… Zweites Kommen! Now that dream is close at hand and you
Captain Crane and Commander Morton are going to help us fulfil it.”

“You can’t really expect us to agree to help
you in any way.” Lee asked defiantly and just a little mystified.

“There is
no question that you will, Captain. With the proper motivation, one can
encourage a man to do anything, even against his will.” He looked at the dark
and brooding figure of the Gestapo officer. “Don’t you agree Major Schneider?”

“Indeed.
Herr General. I have not yet found any difficulty in encouraging co-operation
from unwilling…guests.” He laughed menacingly and looked around the
smiling faces of the other officers as they joined his laughter.

“You
couldn’t make Admiral Nelson co-operate. Is that why you tried to kill him?”
Lee asked in a quiet chilling tone.

The men
stopped laughing and their smiles faded, as they studied both men.

Mueller saw the steely brown gaze Lee directed
at him and he narrowed his eyes, this man was everything he had been led to
believe. Intelligent, resourceful, brave and loyal.
Heinrich Mueller saw no fear in his eyes, only barely concealed contempt, damn
him! This man would be a powerful tool to have at his command but he knew that
would not be possible, Crane would never willingly submit, however, he would be
made to co-operate, he vowed to himself.

While the Captain was the epitome of a natural
hero, always prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice in the protection of
others… his first officer was a little more enigmatic. At first glance one
could mistakenly dismiss Morton as only a shadow of his Captain and best friend
but Heinrich Mueller was a shrewd man and had learnt never to dismiss any man
and without first investigating him thoroughly. Morton had an impressive
reputation, intelligent and extremely capable; he rarely gave into impulse and
hid behind the calm mask that he constantly presented to everyone.Possessing the same brave qualities as the
Captain, he had earned his respect every bit as much as Crane.

Mueller
smiled shrewdly as he observed both men. He understood that as strong as they
were, he had one advantage over them, each one would
willingly die for the other, this he could use to manipulate them both
to do his will.

Getting up, he moved to sit on the front of
the desk as he answered Crane’s accusation. “Unfortunately for him, Captain,
Harry refused to be persuaded by my arguments…of course when he thought I was
only after treasure trove, he was scornful, that was until our ill-fated
attempt to take over the Seaview alerted him to my true purpose.”

“So you
were the one behind the attempted hijacking.” Lee murmured as he gripped the arms
of the chair, his fury rising out of control as he remembered the dying face of
Lieutenant Cohen. “One of my men was murdered in that attempt and since then,
the Admiral has nearly died and for what? What is it that you want so badly
that men have to die for?” As he finished, Lee leapt forward and tried to get
the gun from the holster at Mueller’s waist while with his free hand grabbed
the smiling officer by the throat.

Major
Schneider drew his weapon and held it on the barely seated, anxious Exec, as
one guard slammed the butt of his rifle onto Cranes right shoulder and two more
guards pulled him away, holding him firmly as he struggled.

Heinrich
Mueller hastily stood away from the desk and straightened his uniform. Looking
furiously at Crane he demanded. “Does that display of temper make you feel
better Captain? Or are we to endure endless attempts by you to overpower all of
us before you will co-operate!” Mueller was very obviously angry and as the
guards held Lee, he nodded to Schneider. The Gestapo officer turned, holstered
his weapon and with obvious pleasure punched Lee hard in the stomach several
times and watched with a smile as he gradually buckled and was dropped onto the
chair.

Chip
watched as Lee tried to catch his breath and received a faint nod of assurance
from him.Morton looked up at the
grinning German general and said. “I suppose the State Department doesn’t know
anything about your personal involvement in any of this?” He demanded strongly.

Startled a
moment, Miller asked. “What do you mean?”

“It was one
of your companies we were delivering the equipment too, wasn’t it…Rellim Oil
Exploration?A simple reverse
anagram…that’s what the Admiral worked out wasn’t it? You were the one behind
the hijacking and he was going to expose you.”

For a
moment Heinrich Mueller narrowed his eyes and then he grinned. “Harry does
employ the best doesn’t he?” Still rubbing his throat he continued.

“You’re
quite right, of course.” He smiled as he sat back down in the chair behind the
desk.“My father had lived in America
for many years before the war, establishing an American background for his
family and helping to create our fifth column organisation. When he returned to
fight for the Fatherland, we stayed. Our contacts in shipping circles proved
very useful to our U boats.” He laughed at the anger both men betrayed.“I first met Harry several years after the
war…by then I had clearly established my American
identity. My company was building ships for the Navy and Harry was helping with
some technical design problems we were having. Brilliant brain…so decisive, he
really is a genius. We struck up a friendship and have kept in touch on and off
over the years. Of course he had no idea as to my true identity, no one has.
After we went our separate ways, me to pursue my destiny, him to build his
excellent submarine, our friendship remained and has served me well, opening a
lot of official doors for me.” Miller leant forward, hands linked together on
the desk, and concentrated intently on both men.

“Then a few
months ago I received information that drew us together again. A subsidiary
operation of mine, mining deep-sea oil had unearthed a wrecked U-Boat with a
startling significance for every true German patriot. This was the same U-Boat
that carried our most precious treasures away to safety, after the invasion of
the Fatherland. This boat and its crew had been entrusted with ‘The Spear of
Destiny.’”

Chip and
Lee observed the almost reverent way he uttered the words ‘Spear of Destiny’
but the implication was not lost to them.

“And you
want to try and steal it again, just as Hitler did?” Lee asked as he sat
straighter and ignored the dull ache that radiated from his stomach.

“The
Fuehrer did not steal it! The ‘Spear of Destiny’ was the same one used to
pierce the side of Jesus Christ on the cross at the Crucifixion. It has been
preserved through history, for with it comes the promise that whoever holds it,
can never be defeated. The Spear became rightfully his, after the annexation of
Austria.”

“I think
the Austrian’s might disagree.” Lee said insolently.

“Is this
the same Spear that was captured by the American high command from Hitler’s own
bunker?” Chip asked contemptuously.

“A mere
replica, I assure you Mr. Morton. Many were made as protection against, theft.
No the real ‘Spear’ lies deep in the belly of a wrecked U-boat and you,
Captain Crane, are going to bring it to me!”

The silence
that followed hung heavily around them.

“And why
would I do that?” Lee asked carefully. “What makes you think I’ll be any more
co-operative than Nelson?”

“I made a
mistake with Harry, I admit. I believed he would be intrigued by the hunt for
Nazi treasure and help out an old friend but of course he would not. I have
tried to persuade him for several months to allow me to charter his magnificent
Seaview and it’s crew but he resisted and I had to
find another way. Finally the State Department unwittingly intervened on my
behalf to order the Seaview to carry the men and equipment that was urgently
needed at the mining site. You see we know that only the Seaview and its
specially trained deep-sea divers have the capability to complete this mission
successfully. We managed to get my men aboard surreptitiously as cargo…however
I overestimated their ability and underestimated your tenacity, a mistake I
shall not make again.” Mueller stood and started to pace the room.

“As Mr.
Morton observed, Harry had guessed the ownership of the Rellim Oil Company and
when I went to see him once more, to try and persuade him, he threatened me
with an official investigation! I had been prepared to tell him the truth of my
quest and try to illicit his help in the interests of historical preservation
but he had already discovered the truth for himself and he was determined to be
unreasonable. It seemed that force was the only option left open to me. I
assure you, shooting him was a mistake; I merely wanted to use him as leverage
on you Captain. He foolishly resisted and tried to take the gun away
from me and unfortunately in the struggle it went off.An unfortunate accident but
perhaps one that can still benefit our cause.” As he finished speaking,
Mueller smiled confidently at the other German officers, as they smiled in
return, he turned his attention back to his prisoners.

“Now
Captain, you will take us aboard the Seaview and you will order
her to the crash site. You will then dive to the wreck for us and
retrieve the ‘Spear’. How soon can you be prepared to sail? We must reach the
location as soon as possible, as you can appreciate we
are most anxious to secure our prize.”

“I won’t
help you, nor will I allow you access to Seaview.” Lee said firmly. “The
seismic activity at the mining site is already causing considerable danger in
the area and I won’t put my boat or my men at risk for any Nazi madman!”

Mueller’s
eyes concentrated angrily on Lee as he spoke to the men around him “You see
gentlemen, did I not predict the gallant Captain’s refusal?” Then to Lee he
said in a low menacing voice. “Please understand Captain, you will be
made to co-operate. What happens now is by your own choice and only you can
stop it.”

Quickly he
turned to the man beside him. “Major Schneider perhaps you can explain more
clearly to the Captain, how foolish his continued resistance is?”

“It will be
my pleasure, General.” Schneider smiled and nodded to the guards. As both
American officers were dragged out, Heinrich Mueller called after them. “You
have been warned Captain.”

*****

Lee and
Chip were marched roughly back down to the cellars and into a large windowless
room. From the ceiling in the centre of the room hung two chains with manacles
attached and on the wall opposite the door were another set of chains with
handcuffs. Lee was forced towards that wall and knowing what was to come he
fought against his captors but only for a moment as one of the guards shoved
his forearm against his windpipe and as Lee’s breathing became impossible the
second man pulled his arms overhead and clamped the cuffs tightly on his
wrists.

Chip was
forced to the manacles suspended from the ceiling and after a blow to the back
of his head subdued his own struggles, he was secured and hung limply, stunned
and unresponsive.

Crane looked up apprehensively as Mueller and
Major Schneider entered.The Gestapo
officer had removed his jacket and went to stand in front of Chip as the blond
commander shook his head and strove to get his feet under him once more.
Mueller took up a similar position to one side of Crane, careful not to stand
between the two submariners.

“Are you
ready to co-operate with us, Captain Crane? Or must we apply a little
persuasion to the body of your friend?”

“Don’t do
it Lee!” Chip whispered weakly, “I’ll be okay….”

“Such
loyalty, such a misguided sense of duty,” Mueller said, “but it will make no
difference, Captain. You will cooperate… eventually.”

“NO!” Lee
shouted angrily.

“I have no
doubt at all that either one of you would willingly die in
pursuit of your duties…but are you prepared to stand by and watch a
friend die needlessly in your place?” His words resounded in Lee’s mind as his
gaze flicked briefly to Chip and back again to his tormenting captor. Mueller
stood smiling cruelly as he looked at the struggling, bound man. “ Even the strongest will can be broken. Shall we see?”

As Lee
watched, Chip focused determined blue eyes on him calmly, conveying his own
understanding of the situation to Lee. “Don’t give in, Lee, that’s an order.”

As the
first blows hit Chips face, Lee struggled, fighting angrily against his own
chains. As the Major did his best to inflict maximum pain, the sound of the
blows echoed in the cavernous room, punctuated by Cranes anguished breathing
and by occasional involuntary groan from Morton.

“Damn you,
stop this…you’ll kill him!” Lee shouted at the tormentors as Major Schneider
stood back to take deep breaths.

“No, Lee…”
Chip managed but this time he did not look toward the captain.

Major Schneider looked coldly at the man
chained to the wall and waved a guard forward. A bucket of freezing water was
hurled into Morton’s face and he revived a little as he shivered at the
temperature.

Lee Crane
watched in agony, as Chip received blow after blow, his best friend’s only
reaction was to grit his teeth against crying out. Crane knew full well the
agony he was enduring. On more than one ONI mission, he had been beaten in an
effort to make him co-operate. Until now it had always been him that had
suffered the consequences of his stubbornness, now he had to watch and bear
someone else take the punishment.

As the
beating continued, Chip’s struggles became less and Lee felt the pain and anger
well up inside him to nearly overwhelming intensity. One man had already
sacrificed himself for him, must he helplessly see a friend die too. That Major
Schneider was enjoying the task was evident and when Chip finally cried out in
pain the Gestapo man laughed slightly and increased his efforts.

Lee knew
the moment Chip lost consciousness but the torture continued for several
minutes longer, until Mueller called out. “Stop, stop, he is not aware of it
anymore. If he does not suffer, neither does our Captain.” Turning to Lee he
said slyly. “Unless of course you have decided that your friend has suffered
enough?”

Lee looked
at his first officer and best friend, hanging limp and unconscious from the
chains. He knew that if it had been only him, he would resist until the bitter
end but to remain here watching the torture of someone so close to him was more
intensely painful than anything he had ever suffered himself. He already felt
responsible for Cohen’s death; he would not be responsible for this, there had
to be another way. He concentrated his thoughts…if only he could be sure it
would work. Still gazing on Chip’s suffering body, he asked quietly. “What is
it you want me to do?”

He did not
see the broad smile of triumph that Heinrich Mueller now possessed.

****

At the
sound of the soft groan from the man lying on the floor of the cell, Lee gently
lifted his head and put a cup of water to his mouth. “Here, drink this.”

Chip sipped
a little but turned his head slightly to indicate he had had enough. “Help me
sit up.”

“Are you
sure? It might feel better lying down.”

At the
flare of annoyance in Morton’s eyes Lee put his hand under Chip’s shoulders and
helped him as he eased himself up and leant back against the wall. He was
breathing in shallow breaths and Lee could see the swollen bruising that marked
his face and was no doubt reflected on other parts of his body. He saw the
tight clamping of his friends jaw and beads of sweat that formed on his
forehead, indicating the tremendous effort he was making not to cry out against
his pain. “It might be easier to let it go.”

Chip didn’t
pretend to misunderstand. “I thought I’d done enough of that already.” Looking
at Lee’s guilt ridden face, he asked calmly. “Is this the end of round one… or
did you give in…because of me?”

Crane
looked away and stood up. He walked to the wall opposite and leaned back
against it. Finally looking down at the steady blue eyes of his first officer,
he said firmly. “There was no point in resisting…they hold all the power right
now.”

Still
directing his steady gaze at his Captain, Chip replied quietly. “I gave you an
order.”

“Since when
do I take orders from you, Mr. Morton?” Lee demanded sharply. “They would have
beaten you to death!How would it help
to get us out here, if you were dead?”

Chip just
continued to hold his gaze with determination, raising one eyebrow in a
question and remained quite still.

Lee pushed
himself upright and came to crouch beside him. “Dammit Chip, you know I hate
when you do that.”

“Do what?”

“Make me
question my decisions, without saying a word!”

Then they
both smiled and the tension went from between them.

“How do you
feel?” Lee asked with concern.

“You know
how I feel. I haven’t forgotten any of your experiences either. You shouldn’t
have done this Lee, not for me.”

“I only
know I couldn’t allow another man to die for me, when I had the power to stop
it!” He looked at his battered friend with concern. “Cohen’s death was enough, I won’t let anymore men die because of me.”

Chip sighed
slowly, as he rubbed gently at his sore wrists and asked. “So what happens
now?”

Lee sat
beside him and started to examine his own wrists. They were also sore and
bruised from his futile attempts to release himself. “They made me contact the
boat. Sharkey is calling back a ‘reserve’ crew and making ready. Mueller said
he had to finish organising some things then he would send for us. We’re to
sail in a few hours.”

Lee and
Chip were brought from the cells once more and taken back to Mueller’s office.
They found sandwiches and hot coffee waiting for them and their captor had
insisted that they eat, telling Crane that nothing must interfere with his
ability to dive in a few days. As he explained his plans, he chose to ignore
the wrathful glares of the captain who very reluctantly did as he was told,
after the ever-practical Exec had said quietly. “I will if you will.”

Afterwards,
both officers were taken outside and separated into two vehicles, Mueller, Lee
and two guards in one car. Chip, Major Schneider and two more
guards in another. Lee noticed that a truck was also part of the convoy.

As Lee
settled into the soft seats of the limousine, he felt his eyes start to
unwillingly close as tiredness and something else made him drowsy. Realising
that he had been drugged, he struggled to remain conscious. “Please Captain,
don’t try to resist. You will benefit from the rest as will Commander Morton,
I’m sure. We will wake you when you are needed.” Mueller’s smiling face began
to fade as he slipped into unconsciousness. Slowly images formed in his mind,
as his sleep became troubled with more bad memories.

As Mueller
watched the Captains troubled sleep he smiled. Picking up the phone he was
connected to the car that followed them. “Karl, it is imperative that you try
to secure the missile firing codes from Morton.We will need the fire power that Seaview can afford us, if we are to
fulfil our plans.”He listened to the
reply. “Yes, any means you care too use but try not to kill him. If Morton
cannot be made talk, we can still use each of them against the other, this time
Crane will prove to be Morton’s Achilles’ heel.”

Several
hours later, the rough prod on his shoulder roused Lee sufficiently to realise
the car had stopped.

“Come along
now Captain. We have no more time to waste. We must sail as soon as
possible.”

****

Chief
Francis Sharkey was pacing the Seaview’s deck plates and muttering to himself,
this whole set up was screwy. The Captain and Mr. Morton go missing for a whole
day and then he receives orders, direct from Crane himself to call a ‘reserve’
crew together, volunteers only, for a hazardous mission, and to make
preparations to sail immediately…the Captain hadn’t even asked after the
Admiral! He had advised Mr. O’Brien and the Doctor, of the ‘trigger’ word that
had been used and hoped that they had taken all the right precautions. The
Captain’s suggestion’s had only been an outline plan but after the disastrous
events of the recent cruise, the admiral had been determined to train everyone
as soon as possible, against another assault…it seemed they would have to act
without the benefit of training. His attention was drawn to the deck ladder, as
a pair of feet appeared and descended, the familiar figure of Lee Crane dropped
softly to the deck. He stood aside as another figure followed him down, as the
Chief continued to watch, several men came down in quick succession.

“Captain,
are you okay what’s goin’ on here, sir? Who are these guys and where’s Mr.
Morton?” Sharkey questioned rapidly, he watched some of the men head aft and
the remainder took up positions in the control room.

Lee glanced
at Heinrich Mueller but the man smiled and said. “Go ahead Captain,
explain the position to the Chief. It’s important that there are no
misunderstandings, for Mr. Morton’s sake.” He finished menacingly.

Lee looked
around at the faces of his crew and prepared to explain, when a familiar figure
came through the aft hatch. Will Jamison walked forward and stood calmly
observing Lee’s obvious dishabille and noting the bruises on his face and
throat. “Captain.” He murmured shrewdly as he nodded
his greeting.

Lee’s eyes
immediately registered alarm. “Doctor, what are you doing here? Is …the
Admiral…?” His voice faltered, unable to ask the obvious questions.

“The
Admiral’s still making good progress, Captain…Dr. Brouchet is in charge of his
care.” Jamie said quietly. “I thought my services might be needed here.” And he
glanced around at the men who had now drawn their hidden weapons.

Lee let a
quiet sigh of relief escape as Heinrich Mueller’s sneering voice
interrupted.“Good news Captain. I’m
sure it’s comforting for us all that Harry is at least safe for the moment.”

“Sir,
what’s going on? Who are these jokers?” Sharkey asked again.

Crane
hesitated. “These…men will be aboard for the duration of this mission Chief. It
will be necessary for all the crew to follow their orders as well as my own.”
Lee drew in a deep breath as he continued. “How many crew
did you manage to recall?”

“Eh…twenty seven sir, excluding Doc and myself. Mr. O’Brien had already left on
leave and there was no time to get him back.”

Lee nodded.
“Very well, close all deck hatches and prepare to get underway.”

“Without
Mr. Morton, sir?” Sharkey asked in surprise.

Lee again glanced quickly at Mueller but returning his gaze back to the
Chief he replied tightly. “Yes, without Mr. Morton.”

Sharkey
watched the byplay between his Captain and the stranger carefully. The Captain
was clearly acting under duress and Mr. Morton was obviously the reason…he’d
follow the Skipper’s lead, for now. “Aye sir, I’ll get the crew right on
it.”He turned to bustle away but
stopped suddenly and snapped his fingers remembering something. “Just one thing
Skipper, not all the repairs could be completed, sir. The aft power room is
still outa commission. The fracture in the nuclear shielding hasn’t been
repaired yet, sir. I’ve closed it off and posted warnings long as no-one opens
those hatches, there should be no problem from the pressure contained in
there.”

Lee
listened carefully and looked Sharkey straight in the eye as he said. “I see.
What’s the pressure level in there, would you say?”

“My last
check sir was 18 outa 120 but the power’s all secure, just waiting the right
time for you to give the order to let it go.” The chief stated innocently.

“Very well,
thank you Chief, I’ll bear it in mind. Let’s get underway.”

“Yes sir,
right away.”

Mueller smiled as he turned to Crane. “Well done, Captain. If you keep
this sort of co-operation up we can all get what we want, without the need for
further unpleasantness?”

“As long as I have your word that none of my crew will be harmed, I’ll
go along with your plans. I don’t want anyone else to die.”

“Nor will they, Captain, just as long as you continue to co-operate.”
Mueller replied smugly

As Lee automatically completed the departure details, he knew Jamison
was watching his every move. The fact that Jamie stayed and did not return
below to sickbay, was comforting, as well as
intimidating. He tried to move effortlessly but knew that the treatment he had
suffered from the Gestapo major, had aggravated his previously bruised and
cracked rib, his wrists were raw from the abrasions caused by the handcuffs and
as he had released the buttons on the cuffs of his shirt, he saw Jamie’s glance
at them narrow as he looked back up at Lee.

“Later Doctor.” Was all he could say and Jamie nodded
slightly.

Going through the familiar manoeuvres he realised acutely, how much he
missed the efficiency of his first officer beside him.

When they had arrived at the base perimeter, Lee had been woken and told
to take them cleanly through security or Chip would suffer the consequences…again.
Mueller explained that Morton was
being taken out to sea on another vessel and if all went well they would
rendezvous and bring him aboard safely. If anything went wrong, Major Schneider
had orders to kill the commander in any way that pleased him. “And believe me Captain, Karl is very inventive when it comes to inflicting
pain. Why some of his prisoners have been known to beg for death.” Mueller
chuckled cruelly.

“We’re submerged sir, on a heading of 220 degrees, all ahead standard.” The Chief chimed out the orders.

“Very well Chief, maintain course and speed.” Lee marked the chart.

“This is admirable Captain. How long before we reach our destination?”
Mueller asked looking over Lee’s shoulder.

“Which one.The rendezvous or the
U-boat.” Lee asked directly.

The German smiled slightly as he observed the man in front of him. He
was supremely confident that as long as he controlled the crew and his friends,
he controlled Crane. He would always put their safety before his own and that
was the complete advantage he had over him. Time to turn the
screw a little tighter.

“We will receive a signal very soon Captain, then we will surface so
that Major Schneider and his party can board but just in case this gives you
any heroic ideas, I must warn you that I have taken certain other precautions.”

Lee looked up apprehensively, his body tense with anger.

“I have an operative working at the hospital, who
will, if necessary, see that Admiral Nelson receives a fatal overdose and never
recovers, if our plans are thwarted.”

For just a moment Lee’s blood ran cold with fear then clenching his
fists against the overwhelming anger, he advanced on the man, only to be
restrained by a guard and his gun.

“Why? Nelson is no threat to you!” He ground out furiously.

“Quite simple Captain. Just another reminder to you, that
I will not be stopped. I will have my prize!” Mueller stated ruthlessly. “You
may have the commander back but Harry will remain at risk.” Stepping forward in
front of Lee, he warned viciously. “I suggest you inform your crew of the
conditions we sail under, so that there are no mistakes, Captain Crane, if I am
late or do not send the correct signal, he will die!”

*****

Lee sat pensively on the sickbay exam bed, as Jamie wrapped his wrists
gently with gauze. Jamison had insisted that the treatment was necessary and
Mueller had agreed to allow it.

Jamie had already examined the fresh bruising from the second beating
Schneider had administered and was pleased to find that his previous injuries
had not been seriously aggravated. “There, all finished. The cut on your hand
has some infection so I’ve treated it and re-dressed it. Your ribs are bruised,
again but still intact.” Jamie said loud enough for the accompanying guard
to hear. He watched the almost faint nod that Lee gave as acknowledgement.

“Should I be prepared for a slightly more damaged X.O.?” Jamie asked
carefully.

Lee slid off the table and while examining his wrists, muttered. “My fault Jamie. I couldn’t do as they wanted...at first”

Jamie watched his Captain’s preoccupation and heard the guilt echoing
his voice. He knew that David Cohen’s death had hit Lee hard. While he was
always willing to sacrifice his own life for doing the right thing, Jamison
knew that when it came to others suffering for him, Lee abhorred the thought of
it.

“No doubt our Exec understood and agreed with your reasons.” Jamie said
softly. “So there should be no blame assumed, Captain, for actions outside your
control. We all have to make certain choices and too often there are
consequences attached. If we strive to do the right thing, we can only regret
our casualties but recognise them as the price we have to pay for fighting the
evil intentions of others, otherwise their sacrifices are meaningless.”

As Jamison turned away, Lee stood stunned for a moment. Jamie was
telling him to accept Cohen’s death and deal with it, hard as that may be and
that he was not responsible for the actions of others and shouldn’t feel guilty
because of it. He looked at the physician who had become his friend, realising
that in spite of all the pain and suffering he had seen, Jamie had managed to
combine duty and compassion without weakening either emotion. Lee felt a sense
of release begin within him, Jamie was right Cohen’s death had to count for
something.

“Thank you Doctor, for all your
treatment.”

Jamie turned to look at him and smiled, pleased to see the return of
purpose that burnt afresh in his eyes. “You’re welcome Captain. By the way, did
the Chief mention that Lt. O’Brien was visiting a sick relative?”

Lee’s expression didn’t alter. “No, I don’t think he did.”

“Well, he has a sick uncle who needed some extra care and he’s there to
supervise it. Just to be on the safe side.”

*****

They had surfaced and a crewman shimmied up the ladder to break open the
hatch. As he dropped back to the deck and moved aside, Heinrich Mueller took up
position near the Captain and a guard stood behind Lee.

Within moments a figure appeared and Karl Schneider stepped down the
ladder to land lightly on the deck. He immediately snapped to attention in
front of his General and smiled. “All went well, Herr General?”

“As you see, Major. Captain Crane is co-operating
fully.”

“This is good news indeed, Captain.” Major Schneider smiled smugly at
Lee.

“Did you manage to get the firing codes?” Mueller questioned eagerly.

“No, I’m sorry General but Commander Morton chose to be most
unco-operative. However I have not finished with him yet.” Schneider answered
as another figure appeared on the ladder, slowly descending to the deck.

Lee felt anger overwhelm him as Chip turned to face him. His face was
more severely bruised that it had been and there was a graze to his cheek, a
cut over his right eye that had left a streak of blood down his face. His left
arm was supported inside his shirt and his normally confident eyes reflected
slightly less assurance to Lee than when they had last been together.

Lee rounded angrily on Mueller. “You gave your word that my crew would
be unharmed…”

Mueller put up his hands, as he calmed the irate officer. “And I kept it
Captain. Your crew is well but I did not give any guarantee as to the officers.
Mr. Morton has information, as do you Captain, that is of some
importance to us and I had hoped he could be persuaded to share it. It seems
not… but I’m sure that he will reconsider his decision on your behalf,
Captain.” He started to laugh confidently and was joined by Major Schneider’s
own smug amusement.

Lee turned to look at Chip who stood tensely watching him, his
expression conveyed apprehension. Both men knew what to expect and Lee
understood that Chip would find it as difficult to resist as he had.

*****

Lee was standing watch as Mueller and Schneider sat together talking in
the observation nose. Mueller had agreed to allow Chip to receive medical
attention and had sent him under guard to sick bay.As Lee checked all the stations in the
control room he noted that they had been at sea for just over twelve hours and
the guards were beginning to look tired, the crew were due to change watches in
thirty-five minutes and Lee was waiting for the Chief to come back on duty,
before he could safely put his plan into action.

He turned as Chip appeared through the aft hatch, he was wearing a clean
shirt but that did not disguise the stiff way he moved, the light plaster cast
he wore on his left wrist or the bruising so visible on his face.

He stopped in front of the plot table as Major Schneider approached. “I
see your doctor has managed to make your injuries more comfortable, Commander,
how fortunate for you. However, I’m sure you would appreciate some recovery
time…so Captain Crane, won’t you please join us in the nose, we
have important matters to discuss.”

Lee saw the sinister smile that lit the man’s face and knew that the
time for his trial had come.

“Mr. Morton you have the con. You might want to see that the Chief takes
charge of releasing the pressure in the aft control room, just make it a
gradual discharge.”

Chip’s face remained totally neutral but his concern was reflected from
crystal blue eyes, as he understood the command; he was fully aware of what he
was being instructed to do. Carefully he replied. “Yes sir, but are you sure
now…”

“Now is the perfect opportunity Mr. Morton, carry out the orders...” The
Captain interrupted.

“Aye sir.” Chip answered softly.

“Come Captain, we do not enjoy being kept waiting.” He nodded to two
guards who seized Lee’s arms and dragged him away.

After entering the nose, Luetnant Gruber closed the dividing doors. Lee
stood impassively as Mueller smiled at him from the chair where he was sitting.
“Well, Captain, have you thought about sharing the information we require?Or are you going to insist on being as
awkward as your first officer and force us to use more a more physical means of
persuasion?”

Lee stood silently and refused to respond to the German’s goading.
Mueller studied Lee maliciously for several moments then nodded to Gruber, who
signalled the two guards. Immediately they seized Lee and tied his wrists.
Holding him firmly by the upper arms they braced him.

Lee felt the pain of the ropes through the gauze bandaging but steeled
himself for what was about to follow.The Gestapo officer stepped forward and viciously hit Crane with a
backhanded blow to his face, then he stood back
smiling and gloated. “Personally Captain I hope you never choose to speak. I
can easily keep this punishment up for days but as enjoyable as that would be
for me, we need the firing sequence codes and you will give them to me,
eventually.”

“I won’t.” Lee said forcefully. “You will have to kill me.”

“I don’t think that will be necessary Captain. You are a weak man. Oh,
not physically of course but you do have a flaw, your compassion for your
friends, your crew. I saw the way you suffered when Morton was beaten, your
weakness leaked from you like a flood. It was positively nauseating and I doubt
he will prove any stronger. ”

Lee studied the man in front of him with contempt. “Some people would
call that a strength.”

“Not if it reduces your ability, Captain. No true German officer would
ever allow such considerations to control his actions, I assure you.” The Major
announced proudly.

“Maybe that’s your weakness.” Lee said quietly as he looked Schneider in
the eye.

Another blow split Crane’s lip as the Major retaliated angrily, with a
rain of blows designed to cause maximum pain.

It was the sound of sporadic gunfire and raised voices from the other
side of the closed doors, that alerted the men inside and the Major drew his
gun. He crossed to stand beside Lee, grabbing hold of his hair and held the
weapon to his head. “Go and see what is going on outside.” He ordered Gruber
and the guards.

The guards moved forward but as the doors started to open there was the
sound of feet as they started to descend the spiral staircase. Mueller, who had
also drawn a weapon fired at the staircase and the men quickly retreated as he
went to stand on the other side of the Captain.

With the doors now open, Seaview’s armed crew grabbed the two guards
dragging them away. Luetnant Gruber rushed forward but Sharkey stepped up
behind him and held a gun to the German’s head, “Just give me any reason to
shoot!” he growled menacingly. Gruber hesitated only a moment and he also
capitulated, allowing himself to be led away. Chip stepped forward and aimed
his weapon at Schneider. “Drop your weapons and stand down, gentlemen. We have
our boat back and your men are all under guard in the brig.” Chip stated
calmly.

Mueller looked angrily at Major Schneider, who cursed loudly and cruelly
twisted his hand in Lee’s hair. “I congratulate you, Captain. It seems you and
your men have managed to outwit us again!” He stepped closer to Lee, pulled his
head back and moved the gun to under the captains
chin. “Commander…” He sneered at Chip. “You will please withdraw your men and
allow the Captain to fly us out of here in your Flying Submarine, or I will
kill him.”

As Chip hesitated, the Major continued. “I assure you, Commander, I will
kill him, we have nothing to lose.”

“No Chip…” Lee struggled to talk.

Schneider pulled harder and Lee choked slightly. Smiling spitefully he
said loudly. “I think you should all know that in anticipation of this
treachery, as well as our agent at the hospital, ready to kill Nelson, we have
taken the added precaution of planting a bomb on your vessel and with a simple
activator, it can be exploded. Allow us to leave and I will tell you its
location.”

“I don’t believe you.” Chip said coolly. “If you explode it we will all
die, including you.”

Heinrich Mueller looked at Crane and said menacingly. “You know that we
don’t lie don’t you Captain?Leutnant
Gruber assured me that carried out my orders perfectly before he boarded the Seaview
from our vessel.” He drew from his pocket a small control box and held it
up, “I assure you Captain, it is real!”

Lee struggled to move his head and Schneider released his hair slightly.
As he studied Mueller’s vindictive expression he knew it to be true. “Chip what
depth are we?”

“Thirteen hundred feet.”

Too deep to for safe evacuation of his men. “Mr. Morton, stand the men down and
prepare the Flying Sub.”

”But Lee…?” Morton started only to be interrupted loudly by Mueller.

“DO IT, Commander…the Captain understands my determination, don’t you
Captain?” As he pushed his own gun hard against Lee’s neck.

Lee could see the fanaticism shining in the man’s eyes, either one of
these men would die if they had too and take everyone else with them. “That’s
an order Mr. Morton.” Lee said firmly.

Chip gritted his teeth against the anger that rose in him. He knew what
Lee was doing and he inwardly railed against it but outwardly he complied. “Aye sir.”He
answered grimly.

As they turned to leave Schneider looked hard at Kowalski. “You stay.”

Chip left to carry out the orders as Kowalski stood uncertainly looking
at his Captain. Major Schneider told Ski to throw his weapon away from him. As
Ski obeyed the Major moved away from Lee reaching out to the sailor, pulled him
forward to stand in front of him.

“Are you okay Skipper?”

“I’m fine Ski, just follow their orders.”

Kowalski hesitated briefly but the gun was aimed squarely at his head
and he stood silently.

Sharkey climbed up from the flying sub hatch and nodded to Mr. Morton as
he moved to stand beside him. Chip turned to Mueller and Schneider and said
forcefully. “It’s ready.”

Lee moved forward and stood beside the plot table. He saw the
calculating smirk of Heinrich Mueller and looking at him Lee stated quietly.
“Schneider leaves the trigger here or I won’t take you anywhere.”

A momentary flare of anger lit the old man’s grey eyes and he bit back
his retort. The determination in Lee was plain and as annoyed as he was, he
could wait for the opportunity to extract his revenge. “As you wish, Captain
but don’t forget we still have Nelson.” He ground out fiercely and nodded to
the other man.

Major Schneider placed the trigger on the plot table and reached out
quickly to grab the Captain’s collar, pressing the gun against his neck and
standing behind him. Looking at Chip and Sharkey he ordered. “Move away.” As
they moved slowly to the side their eyes never leaving their Captain, Mueller
descended through the hatch. Schneider turned to Ski. “Go to the hatch and then
climb down.”

Lee struggled against his captor. “No! No-one else…”

“You are not in charge here Captain…do
it!”Schneider ordered the seaman as he
pressed the gun harder against Lee’s neck.

“It’s okay, Skipper.” Ski murmured softly.

After Kowalski had climbed down, the Major pulled Lee over to the hatch.
With his hands still tied he awkwardly climbed down, finally Schneider joined
them.

After the hatch was secured he turned to Kowalski and said. “Release the
Captain’s hands and come back over here.”

Ski did as he was told and stood apprehensively as Major Schneider went
behind him and viciously swung the butt of his gun against the young seaman’s
neck to render him unconscious. With Kowalski out cold and pushed aside, the
Major looked cynically at Lee as he showed his anger. “He will be just as
useful to us unconscious, Captain.”

Heinrich Mueller sat in the co-pilot’s seat and gestured with his gun at
Lee to take the pilot’s seat. “Fly us out of here Captain and do it very
carefully, for your crewman’s sake.” He said to Lee, as Crane eased himself
into the pilot’s chair.

Lee looked at the two German officers with barely concealed fury but
started the pre-flight checks and within minutes released the docking clamps
and lowered the bright yellow machine, gracefully out of it’s
special bay, into oceans depths.

“Now Captain, you will please fly us to the drill site. You are going to
retrieve the ‘Spear’ for me before it is lost forever.”

Lee looked at Mueller with surprise evident in his eyes. “And if I
can’t?” Lee asked tensely.

“Oh, I think you will Captain…we brought your crewman along to ensure
you do.”

Lee looked at Kowalski’s unconscious body and turned back to the
controls. He had to do something, these men were not going to let them live,
after they got what they wanted, Lee knew that. Schneider was standing at the rear
and Lee watched as Mueller went to join him, as they talked quietly, Lee saw
his chance. Putting the powerful machine into a steep climb he unbalanced both
men and as they fell to the deck he switched to autopilot and quickly unsnapped
his harness and stood to face them as they struggled to stand.

Grabbing the fire extinguisher from it’s
bracket by the control panel, he directed the nozzle at the Major and sprayed
foam into his face. The man let out a roar of pain as the fire retardant stung
his face and eyes. Mueller jumped at Lee and their combined weight propelled
both men against the wiring panel that burst into sparks and flames.
Immediately, FS1 nose dived to the ocean floor and hit hard against the seabed.
As both men fell to the deck, Lee swung the heavy canister against the big man
and managed to push him back and as he stumbled backwards, over Kowalski,
Mueller hit his head hard against the hull and fell to the deck motionless.

Lee turned back to face the Gestapo officer, he heard the sharp retort
of the gun as it fired and felt the intense pain of a bullet passing through
his left shoulder, the impact forcing him backwards against the now burning
control panel. He shrank away from the flames as he struggled to focus on the
face of the raging man in front of him.

“I will KILL you Crane...I will kill you slowly and in agony… you will
not beat us, do you hear me, you will not beat us…” He ranted as he came closer
to the fallen Captain.

Lee moved back slightly and felt the bullet wound radiate intense pain,
as did the burns on his shoulder. He was weak and fought to stay conscious as
the irate man kicked him heavily in the chest.Desperately trying to shield himself from the angry assault he looked
around for a means of defence and saw the electrical wire hanging loose from
the panel and seizing the protective casing, he thrust it against the Major’s
thigh. The electric shock threw Schneider backwards and he lay on the deck
motionless.

Lee breathed deeply as the pain threatened to rob him of consciousness.
He heard a groan and looked towards the sound, seeing Kowalski sit up and rub
his neck. Ski studied the devastation evident in the vessel and urgently
crawled to his captain.

“Skipper, what happened? You’re hurt sir, let me help.”

“In a minute Ski. First secure these two before they
wake up. Then we need to check out the controls. Here help me up.” Lee
struggled to get his feet under him.

Kowalski helped the captain to his feet and knew that Crane would not
give in until he was satisfied that help was at least on its way. He shook his
head as he watched the captain sit in the flight chair and activate the radio,
Crane would stay conscious through sheer force of will, for as long as it took
to do what he had to. After he had finished tying the hands of the two
unconscious men, Ski looked again at his skipper, who was beginning to lose
consciousness; Kowalski caught him gently and laid him on the deck. Quickly he
tended to his wounds as best he could then looking
down at his Captain, he murmured with concern. “You’ll be okay Skipper, Doc’ll
patch you up again but he ain’t going to be happy, no sir. I reckon Mr. Morton
will have a thing or two to say as well. It’s always the same with you sir, you
just never take care of yourself like you oughta.”

*****

Chip walked into the hospital, making his way to his friend’s room and
sighed deeply. He had spent the last four days arranging the handover of
Mueller and his men, the dismantling of the bomb Luetnant Gruber had planted,
dealing with government agencies and filing reports. He had heard only this
morning that the mining site had suffered a series of earth tremors and been
abandoned. A subterranean landslide had buried the U-Boat beneath tons of rock,
ending any chance of verifying it’s cargo, all this
for nothing!

As soon as the flying sub had left Chip had jammed all long-range
communications from the craft until he had been able to speak to Bobbie O’Brien
personally, to warn him of the danger. O’Brien had assured his Exec that after
the plans that the Doctor, Chief Sharkey and himself
had put into place…the Admiral was safe, he had already rooted out the assassin
and he was secure.

Chip could hear Lee complaining loudly at Jamie as he approached. “Will
you let me out of here doctor? I told you since we got back, I’m fine.”

“You are not fine. You have a bullet wound, burns, a cracked rib, cuts,
contusions, abrasions…Captain you are a medical mess!” Jamison shouted in
frustration.

Ever since he had recovered enough to stand unaided, Lee had fought
first the restrictions of sickbay and then the hospital. They had retrieved the
Flying Sub with a very injured Lee Crane, who had woken sufficiently to try and
resist going to sickbay.It was only
after Jamison had, in Lee’s opinion, cheated with a strong sedative that the
Captain relinquished his command. He had spent one day sedated so that Jamie
could deal with his injuries and then tried to leave sickbay. It was only
Jamison’s insistence that Lee should have the burns checked by a specialist at
the hospital, as an example of common sense for the crew that had got him to
agree to a limited stay here. Now Chip assumed that his friend had had enough.

“Will you try and talk some sense
into your obstinate friend, Mr. Morton.” Jamie said tiredly as he saw Chip
enter.

“I don’t need anyone to tell me how I feel. I’ve received the treatment
now I want to leave.” Crane said firmly.

Chip studied his friend of many years, sitting on the edge of the bed
and saw the paleness of his features; the dark smudges under his eyes and noted
all the bandaging that was just visible under the pale blue dressing gown.

Calmly Morton asked. “Doctor, could I have a moment alone with your
patient?” He was tired didn’t want to deal with another of Lee’s escape bids.

Jamison looked surprised at the subdued tone and then shrugged. “I’ll go
check on the Admiral.” He said as he left.

“Thanks Chip, can you find me some clothes, I want to get out of here.”
Lee smiled, relieved to have found an ally.

Chip came and sat on the bed looking at Lee.

“Chip? Did you hear me?”

“Do you remember a week ago when we stood in the Admiral’s room? How
shocked you were at his frailty?” Chip asked quietly

Lee looked confused and answered. “Yes.”

“Do you remember our conversation on the steps outside?” Chip continued
calmly.

Lee blushed slightly as he stammered. “That has nothing…”

“It has everything to do with it Lee.” Chip said with feeling. “I
understand how you feel. That you will recover from this in your own way
eventually and carry on until the next time you need to do it again.” He looked
earnestly at his friend. “ I know you took the flying
sub out to save the boat and crew. I know you were willing to sacrifice
yourself for us but that doesn’t make it any easier for the people who care
about you to stand by, while you refuse to take care of yourself and take the
time you need to recover, or even proper care of yourself! If this were me, or
the admiral, would you let us walk out of here without at least trying to talk
some sense into us.”

Lee looked at the obvious tiredness and concern in the cobalt blue eyes
of his best friend. Chip’s bruises were beginning to fade and his wrist would
be healed in a few weeks but he felt a deep sense of embarrassment at adding to
Morton’s burden. As he started to reply, there was a brief knock at the door
and Jamie came in pushing a wheelchair.

“If you agree to use this, there is a man at the end of the hall who,
I’m sure, would like to see you both.” The doctor smiled broadly.

“He’s awake.” Lee said eagerly.

“He’s drowsy but alert enough for a short
visit.” Jamie answered as he helped Lee into the chair.

Chip took hold of the handles of the wheelchair and started towards the
open door.

Lee put out a hand to hold Jamison’s arm and they all stopped. “His legs
Jamie…?” Lee looked up anxiously.

The doctor smiled faintly. “I think his responses are good enough to
predict a complete recovery. It will take a while and he will have to obey my
orders completely but if I can get him to do that, then he’ll soon be back
aboard Seaview inside of six weeks for light duties only.” He said with relief.

“In that case Doctor Jamison, you had better arrange a double room, we
can recover together.” Lee said cheerfully as they moved off.

As Jamie stood momentarily stunned, Chip pushed the wheelchair towards
the Admiral’s room. Jamie watched them for a moment, I wonder what kind of
persuasion he used and will I be able to use the next time Lee Crane needs my
care, only time will tell, he thought as he followed in their wake….

End

Any comments, good or bad: readingbuff@tiscali.co.uk.

Historical background :

The Spear of Destiny, also know as the Spear of Loginius, after the
Roman guard said to have used it to pierce the body of Christ at the
Crucifixion, has been well documented through the annals of history.

Legend has it that possession of the Spear makes the owner invincible
and many of the great leaders in history have claimed ownership of it.

Adolf Hitler first saw the Spear in 1912 in the Hofsburg Treasure House
in Vienna. He reportedly wrote that he felt drawn to it, believing it to be the
ultimate talisman for his future destiny. He seized it the day he annexed
Austria in 1938 and kept it hidden.

During the final hours of the war, Lt. Walter William Horn of the U.S. 7th
Army, captured the Spear and within 90 minutes, Hitler committed suicide.

The Spearhead is all that survives today, two pieces of metal with a
bolt to connect them; the wooden shaft has long since disappeared.

The Spear once again resides in
the Hofsburg Treasury House, although others lay claim to the ‘’true Spear of
Destiny’’ also. A copy is kept in Krakow, Poland, one is supposedly in Paris,
France and another is believed to be encased in one of the stone pillars,
supporting the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, in Rome.

For further information: - hhtp://www.geocities.com/Heartland/8303/spear.htm